Choosing a Career

A wide range of options are available when you choose a career in the public safety field!

Most entry level jobs in public safety require a high school diploma or GED only. However, you will be competing with others for these jobs. The more you can do to enhance your "marketability," especially by demonstrating that you are sincerely interested in becoming a professional, the better you will do on civil service tests, background investigations and interviews. For most Federal agencies and some state agencies, you may also need a four year degree.

See "Required Courses" to learn more about our course work.

Students should be aware that prior felony or any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence convictions, and some psychological holds, are disqualifying. TROs (Temporary Restraining Orders) can also be a disqualifier. Prior substance abuse (including marijuana) and other disqualifiers may apply in specific positions related to law enforcement or forensics.

4. It’s not all done with computers a. Computers help team members, they don’t replace them. b. A person has to tell the computer things first c. Fingerprint matches are verified by more than one examiner